Belarusian scientists considering building nuclear research reactor

MINSK, 13 March (BelTA) – Belarusian scientists are considering the creation of a nuclear reactor for research purposes. Andrei Kuzmin, Director General of the joint energy and nuclear research institute Sosny of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, made the statement on the air of the Belarusian TV channel STV, BelTA has learned.

It was noted that such reactors are in use in 50 countries. They open new horizons in nuclear research starting with healthcare and ending with nanotechnologies.

“The possibility is only under consideration for now. The creation of a research reactor is as big of a project as the creation of a nuclear power plant. It will be necessary to go through the same procedures. It is understandable that the facility will be much smaller but it will have much more complicated and unique scientific equipment. And unlike a nuclear power plant research reactors are not built in series,” Andrei Kuzmin said.

Speaking about radiation biology, Andrei Kuzmin noted there are scientific applications and practical ones. “The impact of radiation on biological objects is interesting not only from the point of view of evaluating how different doses affect people but biota as a whole. It will allow working out new medications and better understand the processes going on inside living systems. In other words, there is a great field for studies,” he explained.